Heritage Breeds make wonderful additions to farms and ranches. These traditional breeds are an essential part of our American agricultural heritage – they evoke our past and are an important and irreplaceable genetic resource for our future.

Heritage breeds retain traits that are important on small and sustainable farms:

Efficient foraging ability

Disease and parasite resistance

Reproductive efficiency

Regional adaptations

Hardiness

Thriftiness

Longevity

Often products from these traditional breeds are distinctive and of high merit. Meats from these slower growing breeds have more flavor, dairy products are becoming known for richness, and textiles for unique colors or being uniquely qualified for specific products. For these reasons, many small and family farmers are turning to heritage breeds as the solution for their production needs.